The Facts in the case of the Departure of Miss Finch

A fantasy writer much like Gaiman recalls a strange night in London. Prodded out by an old pal and his wife, he meets their bioecologist acquaintance, Miss Finch, at dinner and goes with them to an odd, animal-free circus. The audience moves from one chamber to another to see various spooky acts; scientifically skeptical Miss Finch is not amused. In the eighth room, Miss Finch is pulled away by a performer who says her most ardent wish will be granted in the ninth room.